Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03

Water systems in Decatur, IL have accumulated 12 EPA violations across the full compliance record — a dataset that captures reportable health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement actions filed with the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System.

Water Quality Map: Decatur, IL

Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.

A B C D F

Water Quality by ZIP Code in Decatur

Water quality varies across Decatur's 6 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.

ZIP Code	Grade	Score	Violations	Health
62522	D	51	2	0	View report →
62526	D	51	2	0	View report →
62523	C	55	2	0	View report →
62524	C	55	2	0	View report →
62521	C	56	2	0	View report →
62525	C	61	2	0	View report →

Water Quality Overview

Decatur, Illinois receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 55 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).

The 4 water systems serving Decatur have accumulated 12 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 6 ZIP codes serving approximately 85,792 people.

What Grade C Means

A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Decatur's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.

Lead Levels

The average 90th percentile lead level across Decatur water systems is 0.0077 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.

With 85% of homes built before 1986, Decatur has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.

Radon Risk

Decatur is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Water Systems Serving Decatur

Decatur is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 85,792 people across 6 ZIP codes.

Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:

• Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
• Report results to the EPA and state regulators
• Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
• Take corrective action when violations occur

The EPA has taken 60 enforcement actions against water systems serving Decatur. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.

How to Check Your Water in Decatur

1. Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores

2. Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants

3. Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel

4. Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics

5. Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts

Contaminants Detected in Decatur Water Systems

The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Decatur's water systems:

MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.

EPA Enforcement History

The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Decatur. Recent actions:

Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-06.

Decatur vs. Nearby Illinois Cities

How Decatur's water quality compares to similar cities in Illinois:

Water Quality by ZIP Code in Decatur

Water quality varies across Decatur's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:

Common Questions About Decatur Water

These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Decatur, Illinois:

Is Decatur water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Decatur's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.

Can I drink Decatur tap water? Decatur's water receives a grade of C (55/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.

What is the best water filter for Decatur? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.

Decatur vs. Illinois Average

Understanding how Decatur compares to the broader Illinois average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.

To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Decatur.

ZIP Codes in Decatur

Decatur spans 6 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 62521. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.

Data Sources

• Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
• Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
• Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
• Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
• Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products

Updated daily.